Injured 24-year-old United States striker Mallory Swanson said on Tuesday that she had undergone successful surgery, but was still in a state of shock after suffering a torn patella tendon ahead of this year's Women's World Cup.
Swanson helped the USWNT collect a fourth world title in 2019 and was expected to be a key piece of their 2023 squad after scoring seven goals in international competition this year.
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She went down late in the first half of the 2-0 friendly win over Ireland in Austin, Texas, on Saturday and had to be carried off on a stretcher to the dismay of fans and teammates.
"This is hard. I'm in shock and don't have much to say other than, thank you to everyone for the messages. I feel the love and prayers, and holding them close to my heart," Swanson wrote on Instagram.
"I'm thankful for my trainers, doctors, coaches, and teammates for their help throughout this process."
Tuesday marked the start of the 100-day countdown to the finals being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
The U.S. beat Ireland again on Tuesday in St. Louis by a final score of 1-0 in its final friendly before head coach Vlatko Andonovski names his 23-player squad for the tournament.
Andonovski's side will train in New Zealand, which is all three of its Group E games against Vietnam, Portugal and Netherlands will take place. The U.S. also announced on Tuesday that it would play a friendly against Wales in San Jose, California, on July 9 in a Send Off game ahead of the start of the World Cup.